Frozen Feast: DIY Dog Treats Kids Can Make

‍

When the summer heat kicks in, our dogs need extra ways to stay cool. One of our favorite kid-friendly activities is making frozen treats for the dogs. It’s simple, creative, and a great way to let kids “cook” for their pup. With just a few dog-safe ingredients, kids can whip up refreshing snacks that keep dogs happy and hydrated on hot days.

‍

Insights from Emme: We love making these frozen treats year-round! While they may be helpful with hydration in the summer, Izzy loves them just the same indoors from her warm dog bed on a cold winter day. 

‍

‍

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Silicone molds or ice cube tray(s)
• Crafting trays or baking sheets (to prevent spills)
• Your dog's kibble or ⁠treats 
• Wet ingredients: canned pumpkin, plain yogurt, wet dog food, unsweetened applesauce, baby food‍
• Syringes, spoons, kid-safe knives ⁠

‍

‍

‍

⁠HOW TO PLAY

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Materials

Lay out all of the dog-safe ingredients you’ll be using - kibble, pumpkin, yogurt, etc. This helps kids see all the choices before they start.

‍

Step 2: Set Up the Work Area

Place the ice cube trays or silicone molds on crafting trays or baking sheets.

‍

Step 3: Fill the Ice Cube Trays

Guide your child to fill each cube in the tray with kibble or ⁠treats. Remind them not to overfill the cubes, as kids often love to be generous! A little goes a long way, so just enough to cover the bottom of each cube is perfect.

‍

Insights from Dominika: I recommend using trays with bigger molds. If there are many small openings to fill, it’s harder, and children might give up. The syringes were a big hit! 

‍

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredient

Once each cube is filled with kibble or ⁠treats, have your child add the wet ingredient. They can use a spoon, a kid-safe knife, or a syringe to pour the liquid into each cube. Make sure to fill the cubes just enough to cover the kibble or treats without overflowing.

‍

Step 5: Transport to the Freezer

Once all the ice cube trays are filled, carefully transport them to the freezer. Place them flat in the freezer to ensure they freeze evenly.

‍

Step 6: Enjoy!

After a few hours, pop the cubes out of the trays. Give them to your dog as a refreshing treat on a hot day!

‍

‍

‍

‍

More Fun Activities

If your child enjoyed this, check out our Puzzle Toy Fill (stuffing them with delicious fillings) activity for another fun way to “cook” for the dog.

‍

‍

Want more support?

Explore our Baby & Toddler Courses here.

And check out my first children’s book, Lola and the Bubble Mission.

‍